Author Note:
Hi folks,
Sorry it takes another long time to finish. I found a good read and distracted for some times, I joined j0nn0-sensei class of grammar (maybe i'll take a hiatus after several next chapters to review my old ones), and... you can say I met some blocks and had to revise several times before I satisfied with the flow.
uh, anyway, here you go. (Hopefully I didn't leave too many mistakes.)
ps. expect arz's chapter tomorrow, after I give one last check. Now I really need to sleep.
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“Thank you for every honorable member who has come here despite the change of schedule. I hereby declare the nineteenth Annual Meeting of Fantastica Executive begin.”
The handsome man with flaming red hair took a pause as he looked at everyone in the room, all the twelve Executives except himself, and his shaven clean face made a charismatic smile. The founder of Fantastica, arguably the strongest human of this era, and my main reason for joining the guild, he was Dava the Elementalist. I was not sure of his real age, should be more than forty, although his appearance didn’t look any different than some twenty-five years old guy.
“As you can read in the report in front of you, the agenda for today’s meeting are three topics, which are regarding the ancient dungeon of Mount Naar, the training dungeon in east of [Firzoa], and overall situation in [[Malvice Empire]],” he continued. “Let’s start with the first topic. Executive Oki, if you please.”
The middle aged warrior three seats from me stood up. Screwy hair and tired face, probably from lack of sleep. Although I had heard some rumors about the topic, as I didn’t know the details, I took the report on the table and looked for the right page.
“Ay. Sorry everyone, I screwed up,” Master Oki said, distracting me from the report in my hand. “I allowed the Dungeon Hunter to conquer Naar dungeon before us,” he told with a bitter smile. So the rumor was true, the biggest and hardest dungeon had been conquered, even though it was not by our guild.
“We both screwed up,” the woman beside him, his wife whose name I forgot, said and grabbed his hand.
“How did this happen? You guys should have more than two years ahead within the dungeon, how did they manage to catch up with you?”
“Ay. Sorry about that. We returned to surface once about a year ago, so the gap wasn’t that much.”
“Returned? Why? Did you both not receive my warning of his coming?”
“Ay. We received it, but…”
“But?”
“But we had lost a number of members and most supplies when other guilds suddenly teamed up and ambushed us,” it was Oki’s wife who answered.
“Ay. Although we made sure they paid for what they did, we deemed returning is necessary at the time,” Master Oki complemented.
“Couldn’t you request a backup and wait instead of wasting so much time just to return and get back there again? We could even send more Executives to help.”
“Ay. That won’t do. The communicators were the first victims, they likely aimed to isolate us from the beginning.”
“And sending messengers would be too risky considering all the ruthless creatures and hostile guilds,” his wife added.
“Haah. I can’t believe it, six years of hard work are all wasted.”
“I’m sure Executive Oki and Executive Thianna regret it more than anyone else, Executive Sandi. More importantly, can you two recognize which guilds were involved?”
“Ay, pretty much. We made sure to save the body parts with their guild marks, but they were all small guilds.”
“Don’t you think it was weird, Guild Master? Small guilds shouldn’t be capable to reach that deep in the first place. We should at least in the eightieth level when they attacked.”
“Hmm. I’ll give the two of you a new task, show them what it means to make enemy of Fantastica.”
“Ay. Will do, Guild Master.”
“Please leave it to us.”
Master Dava nodded, before turning to Master Sandi of Intelligent Division. “Executive Sandi, can I rely on you to find the mastermind? As Executive Thianna said, there should be a bigger force puppeting behind for small fries to dare challenging us.”
“Of course, Guild Master,” the goatee man replied.
“Fufu. That’s too bad. I’ve been itching to try many things with the Naar Dungeon’s old heart, it must be very large,” said the violet-haired beauty seated beside Master Dava. “Because Dungeon Hunter is the one who get it, no doubt it has been destroyed by now. Really too bad. You should send more competent underlings for such important mission next time, Dava.”
Her sharp words made Master Thianna glared on her, yet she obviously didn’t care. Although I had never met her before, but from her features and attitudes I could guess she had to be Master Yuvila the Bewitching Witch, head of our research division.
“I have no doubt of their competence, Executive Yuvila. Still, I did expect better result from people of your calibre, Executive Oki, Executive Thianna,” Master Dava said, proofing my guess.
“Yes, Guild Master. We are very ashamed.”
“Ay, really sorry. I will solely take all the responsibility and receive the punishment,” Master Oki, who had sat back by now, replied.
“What are you talking about, honey. We took the decisions together, we’ll shoulder the consequence together too.”
“Ay. That won’t do, sweetheart. I’m the man and family head. Of course it’s my responsibility.”
“No, no, no. We have sworn to be together in joy and sorrow. There is no way I--”
“Shut up you two!” scolded the woman next to me, Master Xiandra, I used to be under her wings when I first joined the guild.
“What happened is happened, we can’t change the past. But this is too big of a failure to let slip. I suggest Executive Oki and Executive Thianna have their Executive’s right temporarily revoked as the punishment,” she added.
“Ay. That won’t do. Just me receiving the punishment is enough.”
“You are in no position to bargain, Executive Oki.”
“I agree that the two need to be sanctioned. However, revoking their right maybe too much, even if it’s temporary. I think fines are enough.”
“Agree with Pipo.”
“Me too.”
“No, I agree with Executive Xiandra. Temporary revocation should be okay.”
“I’m neutral in this. Guild Master should be the one who decide.”
“Agree.”
“I’m neutral too.
“Why should Guild Master be bothered by something trivia like deciding a punishment, are we that incompetent? We can always use voting. Who agree with Xiandra?”
I raised my hand, along with several other Executives.
“… I’m sorry Executive Izzavine, but I have something else in my mind for their conviction,” Master Dava interrupted.
“Yes…?”
“... Anyone else have different opinion in this matter, before I close this case?”
“Ay. Guild Master, if I may--”
“I told you, you have no right to bargain, Executive Oki.”
“I’m talking to Guild Master, Xiandra. Ay.”
“I already know what you want to say, Executive Oki. You want your wife to be excluded from the punishment, yes?”
“Yes!”
“I object, Guild Master. I have as much responsibility as my husband in this matter.”
“I already know that argument too, Executive Thianna. Or do you have anything else to add?”
“... No.”
“Very well, if everyone have nothing more to say, I’ll take over the role as their judge and give my decision later, hence concludes the first topic. Now, move to the second topic. Executive Alveria, go ahead,” Master Dava said and smiled to me.
“Yes,” I stood up. “I managed to negotiate with the dungeon master Arz, and the dungeon is now our exclusive training ground in return for our protection to the dungeon’s heart. He also has guaranteed that no fatalities will fall upon our members who pay mana tribute before entering. The details are within the report in front of you,” I said.
“I’ve heard about this, is this really true? How much we can trust this dungeon master?”
“It seems true. I sent my men once I got the wind of news, and their report support what Executive Alveria said. No life-threatening accident so far. A safe B-rank dungeon for even newbies, this is the best found ever.”
“Amazing of how you strike achievement after achievement since you joined us, Executive Alveria. No wonder you’re the Guild Master’s favorite.”
I smiled and replied, “Your words are too kind, Master Xiandra. But I’m not his favorite.”
“I don’t like it. Forming a contract? Isn’t this dungeon master too cunning? You need to make sure he can’t betray us, Alveria.”
“I say the church is the one we need worry more than his betrayal. Isn’t that right, Father Jaa?”
“Eh? What is the matter?” I instinctively turned to the only high priest in the room, who was rubbing his forehead.
The white robed man sighed. “I don’t mean to defy your achievement, Lady Alveria. I’m well aware of all the benefits. However, to be honest, this dungeon business gives me nothing but a headache,” Father Jaa said. I waited as he took a deep breath before continuing.
“You know how the church view dungeons? Dens of monsters and demons! And we’ve announced to the world our allegiance with the demons. I’m trying my best, even now as we speak, so we won’t get the heretic label, but it’s probably only a matter of time.
“And like I’ve said to Guild Master, if the church really issue a decree stating our guild being a heretic, I and other church’s associates guild members will have to quit. All of you too, prepare yourselves for the harsh treatment in every area under the church’s influence.”
The room had turned silent with Father Jaa’s explanation.
I frowned. It never occurred to me forming a contract with Arz would lead to such heavy consequence. “Is there a way to convince the church’s higher-ups, father? Arz is not a demon,” I asked.
“Yes he is, my lady. Demons are sentient monsters. In that sense, this dungeon master Arz is also a demon.”
“No, he is a human,” I retorted. “Just like the rest of us. I mean, most of us. I’m sorry, Master Ugi,” I said, correcting myself.
“No worry,” the rabbit-ear Executive replied.
Looking back to Father Jaa, he was still waiting for my clarification. Everyone in the room did, actually. “I mean it. Arz is a human. He is my childhood friend and we grew up together in [Rahziel],” I told.
Father Jaa and many others made a surprised sound. He then leaned forward and inquired, “I’ve never heard a human dungeon master before. Did he born with a unique power?”
“I don’t know, father. He was a normal human until several years ago. A normal human-mage, that is.”
“You mean, he became a dungeon master recently? Is that even possible?”
“I don’t know the details, but I’m telling the truth,” I replied.
“Do you have someone or something that can support your claim, Executive Alveria?” Master Dava asked.
“Hmm, most townspeople of [Rahziel] should know if you ask the name Arz Mahzason, Guild Master,”
“Mahzason? Is he son of mage-master Mahza who live in [Rahziel]?”
“Yes, that is right. Do you happen to know Uncle Mahza, Guild Master?”
“There is no mage who doesn’t know the name of Mahza, girl,” commented Master Maa’, the most senior in the room who had kept his silence until now. “If I to make a guess, your friend becoming a dungeon must be related to Mahza’s experiment on immortality,” he said while crossing his arms and shaking his head.
“Fufu, you mean the
“Ah! I just remember, didn’t the dungeon master make an urgent search request for a man named Mahza? Something about him being poisoned?”
“That is right, Master Sandi. One of my subordinates had poisoned Uncle Mahza out of trivia matter. We need to deliver the antidote within a month, or he may never recover.”
“Within a month?” Master Sandi exclaimed in surprise. After a moment, he made a guess, “Don’t tell me,
I nodded at his question and the room turned into commotion. Everyone had at least heard the infamous poison’s name and its effect - slowly weaken the victim with no visible symptoms. When it does, it is already too late.
“Who? Do I know this member?”
“The man is already dead, Guild Master. Has been killed by Arz before I met him. I judged it was a valid act and our man was in the wrong.”
Master Dava nodded. “People should respect their elders. Although playing pranks on Master Mahza is fun, poisoning is already crossing the line,” he said while making a mischievous smile.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
“Eh? Playing pranks?”
“Nevermind,” he winked. Turning to the high priest who was deep in thought while biting his thumbnail, he called, “Father Jaa, can we use this newfound fact?”
Father Jaa bit his own lower lip before answering. “Yes. Yes we can, Guild Master. No doubt, we should be able to gain the majority’s favor.”
He then stood up. “I think it’a enough. Now I want to excuse myself to contact the church headquarter.”
After Master Dava gave an approval nod, he looked my way. “Lady Alveria, tell your friend to cooperate if some church investigators come, okay?” he said. Without waiting any answer, the priest hurriedly left the room.
“Ay. I guess it concludes the second topic?”
“Not yet. Have you forgotten about the Dungeon Hunter already?”
“... You think he will after our training dungeon?”
“I believe so, sooner or later. He’s not the type who will stop at anything when it comes to kill a dungeon, especially a famous ones.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll go.”
“... You’re going yourself, Master Maa’?”
“Yes, my apprentice is currently there and I’m kind of interested to see the dungeon myself.”
“Well, I see no problem, then.”
“Fufu, tell me if the heart is interesting in any way, Maa’. Maybe I’ll be going too.”
“Eh? You don’t have to, Master Yuvila,” I said by reflex, which I soon regretted as it had invited the predator’s attention. Her curious yet hungry stare made me want to run away from the room.
“Ay, before I forget, the Dungeon Hunter is no longer work alone, he has a band of elves under his command now. Since it’s you I’m sure you’ll be fine, Maa’, but be careful nevertheless.”
Master Oki saved me, switching her attention away from me.
“Elves? How many?” asked Master Maa’.
“Six or seven. Ay.”
“I see, thanks for the warning.”
…
…
“… Anything else, anyone?”
…
“No? Then let’s move to the last topic. Please sit down, Executive Alveria. Executive Sandi, if you please.”
“Very well,” the man with a tied long dark hair stood up. A thin moustache, a goatee and a nose ring made his eccentric appearance very distinguishable. “I’ll start with the summary of what happened so far,” he said while taking out a small parchment from under his leather armor.
“Around a hundred years ago, Emperor Kai became the first emperor of the [[Holy Malvice Empire]] with five vassal kingdoms - [[Azraq]], [[Quwwat]], [[Alishine]], [[Dragora]], and [[Ruum]] - and one [[Papal States]],” he began.
“A hundred years ago!? You have gone too far back, Sandi. Start with something more recent.”
“I don’t mind. Please continue, Executive Sandi.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t go too details,” Master Sandi said. “Then I’ll continue. When Emperor Kai died, the five vassal kings hold a meeting to choose his successor among themselves, and afterward the pope crowned the new emperor.
“Since then, it becomes the tradition. Every time an emperor dies, the vassal kings will choose one of their peers to become the new one. Out of the five, [[Alishine]] and [[Quwwat]] are considered as two most influential kingdoms and most of the emperor comes from either of these two, with exceptions every once in awhile.
“Thus, it borns rivalry between the two kingdoms, but it never escalates into military action, until now. [[Quwwat]] has amassed their army to near the border between [[Alishine]] and [[Quwwat]], it may turn into the first civil war in the empire’s history.
“Now, how is this all related to our guild? Most of you probably know that around twenty years ago, our guild started in [[Alishine]]. With the support from the royal family and the hard work of the pioneer members, we have grown into a guild with most members nowadays. One of the big four, they say, but my data say we’re number one. Our operations range has long surpassed the borders of the empire and covers most countries in the mainland.
“The royal family’s support came with a pact, however, that Fantastica will help [[Alishine]] in time of need, which is now. As per guild master’s order, I have sent messages to various regional leaders two weeks ago to close every base within [[Quwwat]] and [[Azraq]] and operates underground instead.
“As for the reason why [[Azraq]] is included, it’s because we believe both kingdoms have made an alliance of some sort. We’ll consider them as hostile contries in the mean time. Okay, I think that ends my summary. Any question?” Master Sandi finished with a question.
“What about the bases in [[Dragora]] and [[Ruum]]?”
“They operates as normal. The two have received [[Alishine]]’s support in the war against [[Aargio Empire]] in north and [[Toa Republic]] in east all this time and thus owe [[Alishine]] a big favor. We consider them our allies.”
“So, it’s like the empire is divided into two, between the western and eastern kingdoms.”
“Yes, something like that.”
“Why doesn’t the current emperor do something to stop this?”
“... Although we’re adventurers who rarely get in touch with politics, your ignorance amazes me. Emperor Vonz has been sick for a long time. All imperial affairs are run by his son, King Vorg of [[Quwwat]]. The general consensus agree his motive is to become the next emperor and secure the throne for his own line, by wiping [[Alishine]] from the map once and forever.”
“Hey, wait a minute! If the king of [[Quwwat]] is the acting emperor, does it mean the empire officially support our enemy?”
“No official statement from any of imperial officers so far. On the paper, [[Quwwat]] said they’re just going for an excercise. But your assumption is right.”
“Damn it. I thought it’s a good odd for us, with three against two. However, if the empire back their cause for whatever reason they put up front, it may not be that simple.”
“Ay. What about the [[Papal States]]? Has the pope said anything?”
“Yes they have. They will remain neutral as usual.”
“I guess that’s to be expected. Ay.”
“So basically, what do you want us to do, Guild Master?”
Everyone turned towards Master Dava and waited for his answer, including Master Sandi who had been replying all the questions so far.
“... Basically, I want everyone in this room to remain loyal to me and do your best to help [[Alishine]]. I can’t hope the same for other member, I’m sure some will cross to enemy camp or become spies, but at least you Executives must remain trustable. If you disagree with my cause, you can leave now. If you agree, please help me with all your might.”
Nobody chose to leave. Afterwards, Master Dava asked us to take an oath one by one. I didn’t think it was necessary for me, as I had taken a similar oath to protect [[Alishine]] just few years prior when I had reached age of fifteen - the age when someone is considered an adult - in front of my family, but I still did it nonetheless.
“Lastly, please refrain yourself from taking quests or missions that require a lot of time to complete. Stand by as much as possible, for we don’t know when the war will break out,” told Master Dava. “Alright, that should concludes our annual meeting. Anyone want to add something before I close?” he asked.
“Ah, yes. I didn’t mention it before because I thought it has nothing to do with us, but this little fella bring us a new news,” Master Sandi said while petting a bird on his shoulder. It came in through the window when everyone had been taking the oath.
“Second Prince Sorok of [[Dragora]], who is going to marry Third Princess Zorina of [[Alishine]] in near future, is currently visiting this country. He took interest when he heard about our training dungeon and set forth right away. Well, this letter was written four days ago when he left the capital, so he probably has arrived by now,” he informed.
Turning to me, he asked, “Receiving important guest should be no problem, right? Who is in charge in the dungeon at the moment?”
“Crystela, a B-rank, and her party,” I answered. “There should be no problem from our side, but…,” I hesitated.
“But…?”
“Nevermind. Even if Prince Sorok causes a trouble, Crystela should be able to handle the situation. There is no problem.”
“You think he will cause a trouble?”
“Very likely. He is an arrogant blockhead who looks down on others yet doesn’t know his own limit.”
“Haha, what a way to describe someone. You seem to know him well.”
“Not really, Master Pipo,” I smiled. “I met him only once when I was younger. However, everyone who knows him has the same impression. Poor Princess Zorina, to have to marry someone like him.”
“Fufu, interesting things are gathering in the dungeon one after another. Maybe I really should come with you afterall, Maa’.”
“You can’t, Executive Yuvila. You have a date with me, remember?”
“Fu, I know Dava, and I won’t miss it. Just saying.”
“Well, since Executive Alveria already said there is no problem, nothing to worry then. That’s enough from me, Guild Master.”
“Anyone else still has something to add, perhaps?”
…
“... No? Then I hereby declare the nineteenth Annual Meeting of Fantastica Executive is closed.”
After an applause, the audience disbanded themselves. Master Dava stopped me before I went out, however. “Executive Alveria, what’s your plan after this?”
“Hmm. Return to the training dungeon? Why? Do you need something, Guild Master?”
“What about joining me in a dinner?”
Master Yuvila glared at him but made no comment. “Don’t you have a date with Master Yuvila?” I replied with another question.
“Yes, this afternoon. But I thought it’s been a long time since we spend some quality time together. So… what do you say?” he threw another of his charming smile.
“I’m sorry, Guild Master, but you should save your trouble. I’m belonged to someone now and I don’t think it’s appropriate to have a dinner date with you. Unless you mean there will be more people coming?”
Master Dava gaped. To be honest, I enjoyed what I saw. Not everyday you could make the strongest man looked stupid. “What did you say? With who? When?” he asked dumbfoundedly.
“Fu… Serve you right!” Master Yuvila grinned behind him.
“Tell me… Who dares to steal you from me, Executive Alveria…?”
I sighed. “Whom I’m with has nothing to do with you, Guild Master. You already have more than a dozen women following you everyday anyway. And I told you in many occassions that I have no interest to be a part of your harem. Now, if you excuse me.”
“But… I thought you just want to play hard to get… No, this can’t be true. You must be lying, to make me jealous, right? Right?”
“Fufu. I bet it’s that Arz boy, isn’t it? Your eyes when you defended him in front of Jaa, he must be more than just a childhood friend,” guess Master Yuvila accurately.
“Is that so… Very well… Just take him over next time, okay?”
“What are you going to do?” I asked suspiciously.
“... Give him a good beat?”
“Then I will never do that. I’ll really excuse myself now,” once again I bid farewell and made a slight bow, before dashing with wide steps to the exit, afraid that Master Dava would find another excuse to hold me if I took any longer inside the room.
Master Maa’ was waiting for me outside. “Finished?” he asked.
“Yes, but I need to take things in my room first.”
“Sure, I need to take care of some things first too. Meet me at western gate after sunset, what do you say?”
“Okay. Should I prepare horses?”
“Horses? You want to torture this old man? No, we’ll use
“Eh? I thought you can only use
“Clear image isn’t the only way, girl. I told Tsalja to prepare a
“Usually, by foot. Is it something I can use?”
Master Maa’ shook his head. “I can’t believe they forgot to teach you. Most of our bases has one, but only limited people know or allowed to use it. Of course, as an Executive, you’re free using it anytime. I’ll show how it works while we go later.”
“Ah, okay. Thank you.”
“See you at western gate.”
Master Maa’ activated
“What a convenient skill. Maybe I should get myself a magic item with